Tigers receiver L'Daminan Washington says tough doesn't even begin to describe last year

A charter member of the Big 8 Conference in 1907, Missouri was a basketball school particularly out of place when it came to football — the SEC's wheelhouse.

The Tigers actually held a 15-6-1 mark entering last season against SEC charter schools. This included a 20-18 win against Steve Spurrier and the Gators in the 1966 Sugar Bowl — the Tigers last win in a major bowl.

In 2012, Missouri finished 2-6 in league play and suffered the further indignity of fellow newcomer Texas A&M immediately thriving in the SEC.

"It definitely was an eye-opener," senior linebacker Andrew Wilson told the Sentinel shortly before the start of the 2013 season. "Anytime you do something the first time, it's new, it's different. We really feel like we gained some experience and will improve this season."

The Tigers have not just improved, but have reinvented themselves.

No. 14 Missouri (6-0, 2-0 SEC) is ranked No. 14 and one of just two SEC undefeated teams, along with No. 1 Alabama, heading into Saturday's visit from the No. 22 Gators (4-2, 3-1). Kickoff is slated for 12:21 p.m. on SEC TV.

Injuries at quarterback, running back and the offensive line —– only one starter played every game — hamstrung the Tigers' offense in 2012. Even so, Missouri played like a team accustomed to wide-open Big 12 games.

"They've been more finesse, spread you out and pass the ball," ESPN analyst David Pollack said prior to the season. "They have to get more physical up front."

Head coach Gary Pinkel seemed to recognize it was time to add a little muscle to his bread-and-butter spread offense.

New offensive coordinator Josh Henson came in and scrapped the empty backfield sets prevalent in the past, with the goal of establishing the physical run game needed against SEC defenses.

But the biggest hurdle in Columbia, Mo., may have been psychological.

The Tigers averaged 9.5 wins during their final five seasons in the Big 12. In 2012, Missouri suffered losses by more than 20 points to Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas A&M.

"Tough doesn't even cover it," senior wide receiver L'Damian Washington said of last season. "You're trying to scratch and claw and do whatever you can to get a win. It was just a tough season for our offense."

Behind players like Washington, who is tied for the SEC lead with seven touchdown catches, Missouri averages 45.7 points and 515.7 yards — numbers reminiscent of the Tigers' Big 12 days. A shoulder injury to quarterback James Franklin during last week's upset at Georgia, however, rekindled memories of 2012.

But back-up Maty Mauk offers a similar dual threat under center.

"They run their offense," UF coach Will Muschamp said. "They had great success over the years doing what they do. And Mauk's a good player."

On Wednesday, with hindsight on his side, Pinkel maintained he never strayed the course or felt Missouri was in over its head in the SEC.

"That was last year, it is what it is," he said. "It's a different year."

Pinkel, in his 12th season at Missouri, entered 2013 on the hot seat. Now his Tigers enter Saturday as the East Division leader.

"Where we're at doesn't surprise me," Pinkel said earlier this week. "It's nice to be winning again and to be respected."